Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has said she has “left the streets”, a phrase commonly used to suggest that someone is no longer actively pursuing romantic relationships or may have settled down.
Tems made the remark during a TikTok livestream while speaking about her experiences with men. However, the singer did not disclose whether the comment signals a new relationship, engagement, marriage or simply a personal decision to step away from dating.
The singer said her decision was partly influenced by her frustration with men who waste her time, suggesting that she no longer wants to deal with relationships or advances that she considers unproductive.
“I don’t like it when guys waste my time. But for me, never again. I don’t have that problem anymore. I have left the streets; I wouldn’t even say I was ever on the streets,” she said.
The statement has since generated curiosity among fans and followers, with many seeking to understand what prompted the singer’s declaration.
Tems, however, offered no further explanation during the livestream and has not publicly confirmed that she is in a new relationship.
Her latest comments come against the backdrop of previous remarks she has made about love, dating and the intentions of men who approach her.
In a 2024 interview with Nigerian YouTuber and filmmaker Korty EO on the Flow with Korty series, Tems said she had never been in love at the time and explained that she wanted a relationship built on genuine connection rather than physical attraction.
She also expressed scepticism about the intentions of some men who approached her, saying she often felt their motives were obvious and questioned whether their conversations with her were genuine.
Also Read: Tems emerges first African woman with Diamond certification
According to reports from the interview, Tems said she values emotional intelligence, humour and spiritual maturity in a potential partner, stressing that she wanted prospective partners to demonstrate their intentions through their actions.
The singer has also spoken about the attention her appearance attracted, particularly earlier in her career. In the same period, she discussed how being perceived primarily through her physical appearance affected her experiences in music spaces and said she sometimes wore baggy clothes to reduce unwanted attention.
Tems rose to international prominence after the success of her music collaborations, including Wizkid’s “Essence”, before establishing herself as a solo artist.
She won her first Grammy Award in 2023 for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U”, featuring Drake, becoming one of the Nigerian artists to achieve the honour.
Despite her global profile, Tems has generally kept details of her private life away from the public, and she has not publicly confirmed a romantic partner.
Her latest “left the streets” comment therefore remains open to interpretation, with the singer yet to indicate whether it represents a change in her relationship status or simply her decision to move away from experiences she considers a waste of time.
The Cable
